Chiefs Owner Reveals What Team Told Kelce About Retirement

Clark Hunt says the organization hopes Travis Kelce will return for another season

Jan. 27, 2026 at 6:07pm

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Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt revealed that the team has told star tight end Travis Kelce he is welcome to play a 14th season with the Chiefs. Hunt said the organization hopes Kelce will return, noting he had another productive year in 2025 with over 800 receiving yards. However, Hunt acknowledged Kelce has a "busy offseason coming up" with his engagement and upcoming marriage, so the team is giving him time to make a decision on whether to retire or continue his NFL career.

Why it matters

Kelce is a key offensive weapon for the Chiefs and his potential retirement would be a significant loss for the team. His decision will impact the team's offseason planning and roster moves as they look to build on their recent success.

The details

In an appearance on NFL Network's Good Morning Football, Chiefs owner Clark Hunt said the organization is hopeful Kelce will return for another season. Hunt noted Kelce had over 800 receiving yards in 2025, though his production was down from previous years. The Chiefs want to be "respectful" and give Kelce time to make his decision, especially with his upcoming wedding to pop star Taylor Swift.

  • Kelce has not yet announced whether he will retire or continue his NFL career.
  • In November 2025, Kelce said he would look to his brother Jason for advice and consult friends and family on his decision.

The players

Clark Hunt

The chairman and CEO of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Travis Kelce

The star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs who is considering retirement or returning for another season.

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What they’re saying

“Well as an organization, we certainly hope that he will come back. He had another great year, maybe not on par with where he was four or five years ago, but still had over 800 yards, and was really one of the leaders on the offensive side of the ball for us. So there's no doubt in my mind that he can still play. We're trying to be respectful and let him have the time that he needs to make a decision.”

— Clark Hunt, Chairman and CEO, Kansas City Chiefs (NFL Network)

“He has sort of a busy offseason coming up with his engagement and marriage, so we want to be respectful and give him the time he needs to make a decision. But we certainly hope that he'll be back.”

— Clark Hunt, Chairman and CEO, Kansas City Chiefs (NFL Network)

What’s next

The Chiefs will wait for Kelce to make his decision on retirement or returning for another season, likely sometime before the start of the 2026 NFL offseason program in April.

The takeaway

Kelce's decision will have major implications for the Chiefs' roster and offensive planning for the 2026 season. The team is hopeful he will return, but is giving him the time and space to weigh his options, especially with his personal life changes on the horizon.